Here is the first completed unit for my Raptors Space Marines army. The painting process keeps closely to that of the test model I finished recently with a few minor alterations – mainly to streamline and speed things up where possible.
On that note, quite a few people asked how long the test model took to complete, and though I didn’t record the time I estimate it was 2-3 hours. With this unit I did keep it on a timer – both to answer those queries and for my own information. I kept a detailed record of each step and, even after rounding up a bit, it worked out at 90 minutes per marine – half the time of the test model. This was due to several factors; having an established process to work to, streamlining that process slightly, and the simple nature of batch painting. There was perhaps also an element of rushing – partly because I was aware of the timer, party again due the nature of batch painting, and partly due to drinking strong coffee while painting 
The quality between the test model and the unit perhaps suffered slightly as a result (less refined edge highlights, more heavy-handed chips and scratches etc) – but I don’t think the difference is too great. After all, I need to keep the rank and file as quick as possible if I’m ever to get a playable force completed, and can happily spend a bit more time on one-off models and characters.
Anyway, on to the pics…
